Coleman set for pivot role

2011-05-26 22:05

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - It's just as well for the Stormers that rugby is not played on paper because backline coach Robbie Fleck admits to getting "quite nervous" when he glances at the Brumbies' teamsheet for Saturday's Super Rugby match in Canberra.

On the face of it there is no reason for concern - even the Lions beat the Brumbies on their home patch this year - but no team that includes Wallaby stars such as Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Mark Chisholm and Stephen Moore could ever be taken lightly.

Especially not by a team that's never won a Super Rugby game in Canberra.

"When you glance at the team on paper you get nervous. Giteau is tactically smart and a special player. He can run with the ball, kick and defend," said Fleck.

"He's really pushing them hard to get back on track and one gets the impression there is a revival."

With Peter Grant struggling with an ankle injury, it seems there is a good chance that 21-year-old Kurt Coleman will get the chance to measure himself against Wallaby veteran Giteau.

"We're getting used to dealing with a crisis at No 10 by now. It's tough for the continuity of the backs, but the team has adapted well every time and the team management has handled it well," said Fleck.

"I'm comfortable with Kurt. He had some neat touches against the Crusaders and put in some big hits. He has also been involved in the majority of our training sessions this week."

If Coleman grabs his chance on the big stage, there is a definite chance that the Stormers' attack could benefit. Both he and scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage distribute the ball really well.

"Different players have different strengths. When Gary van Aswegen played for just 12 minutes for us against the Lions before his injury, there was suddenly width in our game," said Fleck.

"Peter Grant attacks the advantage line, defends well and organises. Kurt has an excellent pass and it may well help to release our outside backs."

Meanwhile, the Brumbies have had the bad news this week that they may have to play the rest of their campaign without Wallaby captain and flank Rocky Elsom.

There may well have been a sigh of relief in the Stormers camp with that news, though Mitchell Chapman returns from injury to wear the No 6 jersey and provides leadership in the lineouts for the Brumbies.

Ita Vaea also returns at No 8 and that means that Julian Salvi moves to openside flank, where he replaces Colby Faingaa.

Comments

JC - 2011-05-26 22:15

Stormers should win easily... too much class and form for those Aussies. I just hope the Springbok players don't pick up any injuries.

Howzitekse - 2011-05-27 04:43

Stormers battle when they are overconfident. Does anybody know anything about Coleman? He looked very keen, confident and mobile when he came on as a reserve. He also seems to have a physical presence, not like the shrinking violets SA teams normally pick at flyhalf, excepting Lem of course.

WPBEFONK - 2011-05-27 06:04

@JC- I agree it should be an EASY victory, but let's not be over confident. We WILL win, there is no debate. I also trust Kurt, he can do it for us. The Stormers by 15!!!!!!!!!

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 07:33

WPBESKONK,"I agree it should be an easy victory,but lets not get over confident,We WILL win "WTF?,THAT IS CALLED OVER CONFIDENCE IN AN OVERRATED TEAM

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-05-27 07:35

@Howzitekse - Coleman will be fine, great hands and a 10 that gets his backline rocking. Goal kicking pretty solid as well. He shows very little fear and will be well protected. Jean Div will cover 10 from the bench if things get scrappy, or Dewald might shift from 9 to 10. If our forwards do their thing, Coleman should get good ball. Good luck young man! Stormers need to F.O.C.U.S as the dodgy Aussie convicts won't be the walkover many are touting them to be.

daspoort - 2011-05-27 07:51

ZAPMAN, for a overrated team the Stormers are at a pretty good spot on the log

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 07:57

@Dassie,The log means nothing if you dont win the trophy in the final,10 years without a cup proves my point,overrated indeed,Kaching you lost

The Bulls are a good side. Their fans are pretty low class. You can see from the tone of their comments.

Neo - 2011-05-27 09:53

@zapman. That 10 year no trophy speech... is as hackneyed (holrug gery) as the vlou bulle gameplan....

Disa2011 - 2011-05-27 10:47

Soos wat jy gery is?

RJ - 2011-05-26 22:36

Should be another tough encounter what would be most pleasing is a 5point game for the stormers to put some daylight before they return home

Plesierspier - 2011-05-27 00:54

Stormers 2nd tour loss coming up this weekend, beginning of the real downward spiral.
We know the story by now

Kayle - 2011-05-27 00:59

Are you totally mad? It propably was 'the real downward spiral' after the chiefs game too douche bag? Stormers will win this one... not by 40points, but with a bonus point!

Marcell - 2011-05-27 04:43

With a bonus point : Yip, by finishing within 7. That is the only bonus point for the stompies this weekend!
Brumbies by 5!

Brannas - 2011-05-27 06:52

@Plesierspier, Agree, the stormers is on their way out. It's been obvious in their last couple of games, they just got lucky when the Blues took their foot off the pedal last week. Brumbies by 10

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 07:34

Plesierspier you know your rugby,Brumbies by 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thumper - 2011-05-27 07:49

The only people that get "plesier" from your "spier" are you, Brannas, Marcel and Zapman. You can keep on dreaming but you will have to face reality sooner than later!

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 08:00

Like the Stormers can not get to terms with the fact that they have been without any worth mentioning cups/Trophies for 10 years,Enjoy the dream while it lasts,11 years cupless at the end of this season

yes you are rising to the top. Becoming the most arrogants people ever.

Zip23 - 2011-05-27 04:24

Vital for the Stormers to pick up maximum points in the next two games, as the games back in SA seem to be much harder than a couple of weeks ago. If the Stormers really see themselves as contenders to take the trophy, they should take the Brumbies apart, get max points on the log, and work on their points difference. I hate saying it, but good luck to them, make all of SA proud.

Marcell - 2011-05-27 04:44

Hey Zip23, if you rely on the stormers to make you proud it does not say much. You must raise the stake. :)

SST - 2011-05-27 06:54

Thank Zip23, the Stormer supporters appreciate you comment.

WPBEFONK - 2011-05-27 06:05

We WILL win this game, only question by how much? By 20, 30, 40 or by 50? My prediction by 20!!!!

Disa2011 - 2011-05-27 10:44

That's going to be a wild wild wet dream.

Brannas - 2011-05-27 06:42

GO BRUMBIES, the Stormers is there for the picking, easy as pie to win this game. Brumbies by 10.

Marx - 2011-05-27 07:24

I f there's one game the Brumbies will want to win, it's this one. They had a terrible season so far and the Stormpies is there for the picking, Giteau gaan hulle sink !!!!

ikilladabull - 2011-05-27 07:24

Turd. I'd rather worry about the Bulls problems this weekend. Free tickets for all at Loftus next week.

Lloyd, Brannas, Plesierpsier and Marcell remind me of this Harold Camping chap....predictions that suck to sum it up.

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 07:39

And you remind me of a prossy that i had one night behind Newlands about 20 years ago also big mouth but no play ,

thumper - 2011-05-27 07:55

Insanity - making the same "wrong" prediction every week and expecting a different result. Dumbasses!

SAFFA-CAT - 2011-05-27 07:59

@Alwyn/Zapman - a suggestion. Try not to show your lack of upbringing and class in EVERY statement you make. Tis a weak person that only knows how to 'attack' using 'cheap and easy' insults. I challenge you to UP your game. Try something original possibly?

thumper - 2011-05-27 08:02

Wow, thats original Rustler, and you took the time to type it all too!

rustler - 2011-05-27 08:04

I'm blonde whats your excuse?

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 07:31

Go Brumbies !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wpmannetjie - 2011-05-27 10:28

Hey it is Zap met die pak stok again ,the lotto supporter go pay your dues and play the lotto and say thanks for bailing the bulls out a cuople of years ago hehehehe !!

Bulls campaign to end tomorrow after losing to the Cheetahs. The up side is that they will only have to make 150 boerewors rolls to sell to the crowd at Loftus next week.

Nats - 2011-05-27 07:52

shame cant u all give credit where credit is due! How many games have we lost compared to the other SA tema? Stormers will take it this weekend! You just jealous of the peeps in the CT. Life is good with the DA in charge

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 08:03

Dont be confused,we actually pity the Stormers,spending millions on has beens like Habana and end up with nothing but a good spot on the log,10 years and counting

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 08:04

O and even if i admit to supporting the DA ,It doesnt change the fact that Zille cant help you to win the Super Trophy

gooinat - 2011-05-27 08:13

MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gooinat - 2011-05-27 08:22

Ai Saffa,the poor lad,did Sparky bend Alwyn over he's knee again and give a good hiding.Alwyn will never learn.Does Alwyn go to the church with the swinging doors??Have a good day Saffa:):)

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 08:42

Must admit a bit over the edge,but who gives a damn ,Go Brumbies

WPStrm 4ever - 2011-05-27 08:14

Do I get the feeling this morning that the BB supporters are so worried about taking another loss at the fortress this weekend that they rather make these crappy comments on a story about a team already using their 5 flyhalf (due to injuries) for the season and still finding themselves in a play-off spot. How would the mighty BB have done if they were using their 5 choice flyhalf at this stage of the season? Believe me just like you believe that your team is going to crush the Cheetahs (which I think is not going to be that easy), just as confident every true Stormers supporter will be that their team can bring home the goods this weekend against the Brumbies.

I went to school with Kurt Coleman, he is a great player! Glad for him that he will get a chance to start! Proud of him!!!! Finally all ur hard work is paying off!

Gazza69 - 2011-05-27 09:53

OMG word on the street is Stormers have called up Earl Rose! The kakkest rugby player ever.... How desperate can the Stormers be?

wpmannetjie - 2011-05-27 10:30

Dream on loser he is on his why to the bulls ,he is a BEE player and the bulls rating is below par ,he and useless Zane can make up the BEE rating

ZAPMAN - 2011-05-27 10:59

wp ettertjie,it was no dream,read the news article and you will see Gazza69 is well informed Bhwaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahah Earl Bloody Rose Bwaaawhhahahahahah

Hannes - 2011-05-27 11:19

That unfortunately is the word on the street. Read it on Rugby365. Gazza, we are down to using our 5th Flyhalf in our starting line up. The only other guy I can think of is Elgar Watts, then we are REALLY out of flyhalves. to ZOTMAN: can you name 5 bulls flyhalves that would be able to perform at super rugby level?